By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
As the world marks World Immunization Week 2025, immunization expects has renewed a call to ensure that every child, adolescent, and adult receives life-saving vaccines, regardless of their circumstances.
A high-level meeting and media dialogue, themed: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” was organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Abia state government, and health leaders, journalists, and practitioners from 12 Southern states gathered to reinforce the urgent need for accurate information sharing, robust partnerships, and renewed commitments to immunization in Nigeria and beyond.
Recognizing the media’s pivotal role, the Enugu dialogue brought together over 50 journalists and media professionals, arming them with the latest data, stories, and strategies to inform and inspire their audiences. The goal: to generate accurate, harmonized messages about immunization, counter misinformation, and advocate for sustained investment and political will.
As Rachael Abujah, Media Consultant for the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, noted, “The media has the power to pinpoint the human cost of these delays and amplify advocacy messages. By doing so, we can drive the attention needed to ensure vaccines reach every Nigerian child, regardless of where they live”
The meeting featured keynote speakers from UNICEF and health experts, who highlighted the importance of immunization in preventing diseases and saving lives. Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, Health Specialist at UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, emphasized that immunization is a fundamental human right and a crucial aspect of primary healthcare..”
She therefore, commended the contributions from various state governments that compliments UNICEF’s efforts in these areas and urge that they do not relent in this partnerships.
Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, another Health Specialist at UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, discussed the availability of vaccines, highlighting the efforts of UNICEF and its partners in ensuring a steady supply of vaccines to Nigeria. However, he noted that more needs to be done to address the issue of vaccine distribution and access, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. Eghe Abe, Health Specialist at UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, focused on the affordability of vaccines, emphasizing that cost should not be a barrier to accessing life-saving vaccines. She called on governments and stakeholders to prioritize immunization and make vaccines more affordable for all.
The meeting culminated in a call to action, with experts and stakeholders urging governments, policymakers, and development partners to prioritize immunization and work towards making vaccines more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. The Director-General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, represented by Mr. Nnamdi Okoro, pledged the state’s commitment to supporting immunization efforts.
Earlier, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, during the opening of the media dialogue
reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s immunization efforts.
She emphasized that immunization is a critical aspect of child survival and that UNICEF will continue to work with governments and partners to ensure that all children have access to life-saving vaccines.
“Vaccines are proof that less disease, more life is possible when we put our minds to it. It’s time to show the world that ‘Immunization for All is Humanly Possible’.”
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from media practitioners and health experts ensuring that immunization services are accessible, available, and affordable to all Nigerians. As the country continues to grapple with vaccine-preventable diseases, the call to action serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to prioritize immunization and protect the health and well-being of all Nigerians.
